The bathrooms in your home can be a central location for overindulgent use of natural resources, excessive waste and the use of toxic chemicals. This is why building or transitioning to an eco-friendly home often begins with the bathroom. There are several approaches to achieving this goal and can range from the elements that make up the bathroom to cleaning methods and product selection. If you are ready to turn your bathroom into one of the most sustainable rooms in your home take some of the following tips and suggestions into consideration.
Conserving Water
This strategy is likely the most effective way to enhance the eco-friendly quality of your bathroom while also cutting down on costs. While there are certain habits that can bring down water use, such as replacing leaky faucets and taking showers instead of baths, there are also changes you can make to your bathroom to conserve water as well. Some of these strategies include:
Installing a low-flow shower head
Doing this has the potential to reduce your water consumption by up to 50 percent.
Install motion sensor faucets
Water is often highly wasted at the bathroom sink. Most people tend to use more water than necessary when brushing their teeth or washing their face and hands. One way to reduce this waste is to install a motion sensor faucet. This type of faucet will track when you need water to flow to avoid water running unnecessarily.
Retrofit or retrofit your toilet
Toilets consume more water in the typical home than any other appliance including the washing machine and shower. High-efficiency toilets can save 20 percent more water than older toilets. If you don’t want to invest in new toilet it is also possible to retrofit the existing one by installing a controllable flush handle that gives users the options to use different amounts of water for either liquid or solid waste.
By incorporating these items into your bathroom you will save a significant amount of water in addition to drastically decreasing your water bill.
Keep the Air Clean
The bathroom is often subjected to excess humidity, which can result in mold and cause allergies, asthma and other breathing and health problems. Since the bathroom is usually the most humid room in a house it is a good idea to install proper ventilation equipment. By allowing the moist air to be pulled out of the bathroom it will be difficult for mold to grow. This reduces the need to use bleach or other harmful chemicals.
Placing oxygen-producing plants in the bathroom can also be beneficial for the bathroom. This strategy not only reduces humidity but also helps to absorb indoor air pollutants. Good plants for the bathroom should not need direct sunlight and only require light watering.
Green Flooring
If you are considering remodeling or building a new bathroom there are several eco-friendly options to choose from. They can be made from recycled products or other types of green flooring material such as:
Bamboo
This is one of the best-selling green flooring materials on the market. In addition to its pleasing appearance, this material is more durable than many hardwoods and is resistant to water and mildew.
Concrete
This is an eco-friendly alternative to the more expensive store flooring. Concrete is considered to be a green material since it already exists under many bathroom floors. Homeowners who uncover and use this sub layer create less of a toll on the environment. If the concrete is restored and sealed properly, it is a relatively low-maintenance and green flooring option.
Linoleum
This flooring material is gaining popularity not only for design purposes but also for its eco-friendly properties. Linoleum is hypoallergenic and is biodegradable and easy to recycle. Additionally, it is a resilient material that requires minimal care, is water resistant and is available in a wide range of colors.
Eco-Friendly Products
There are a whole host of options when it comes to purchasing green products for your bathroom. From hand soap to bath towels just about every object in your bathroom can be more eco-friendly. Some of these items include:
Recycled Toilet Paper
There is often no noticeable difference between toilet paper made from recycled products and virgin toilet paper.
Green Shower Curtain
The typical vinyl shower curtains may be resistant to mold but they also release more than 100 toxic chemicals into the air. For this reason it may be a good idea to trade in your old vinyl shower curtain for one that is less harmful to both you and the environment.
Natural Cleaning Products
Many popular bathroom cleaning products contain bleach and other harmful ingredients. Opt for a green cleaning brand or natural household cleaners such as vinegar instead.
The elements that make up your bathroom as well as the products you use within it can largely be made more eco friendly. By purchasing green and certified organic products you can ensure that your bathroom routine has a reduced impact on the environment and is a safer setting for your body. Buying green and sustainable products also supports more ethical business practices. Once you have completed the process of building or transforming your bathroom it will be a space that will contribute to the wellbeing of your home, health and the environment.